“The Philadelphia International Airport is just six miles outside of the city center. It is an enormous airport with non-stop flights from 132 cities around the world. Philadelphia Airport has thousands of international and domestic flights every day. Many low-cost airline deals exist and it is very easy to find cheap flights to Philadelphia from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other west coast cities.”

Flying into Beautiful Philadelphia

Philadelphia was America's first capital city, and even now boasts its status as the "Birthplace of America." Hundreds of years later tourists still flock here, to enjoy not just the history, but the fine art, beautiful parks, and diverse culinary scene. It helps that Philadelphia is very easy to fly to from anywhere in the country, and has comfortable yet inexpensive hotel options. You'll find many hotels in Philadelphia mix historical elements with modern amenities, including the Loew's Philadelphia Hotel, the Independent Hotel, and the Penn's View Hotel.

Finding Cheap Flights to Philadelphia

The Philadelphia International Airport is just six miles outside of the city center. It is an enormous airport with non-stop flights from 132 cities around the world. Philadelphia Airport has thousands of international and domestic flights every day. Many low-cost airline deals exist and it is very easy to find cheap flights to Philadelphia from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other west coast cities.

Philadelphia is a major hub for two companies: US Airways and Southwest Airlines*. The competition between the two airlines often results in bargain flights to Philadelphia for savvy consumers. Other major airlines that fly into Philadelphia include American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue.

For the best cheap flight deals, use Hipmunk's search engine, which allows you to sign up for free price alerts to make sure you don't miss a great deal.

Other Nearby Airports

Although the best flight deals usually lead to Philadelphia International Airport, there are several smaller airports that service the Philadelphia metro area including Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Wilmington-Philadelphia Regional Airport, Trenton-Mercer Airport, and Atlantic City International Airport. If you are flying regionally, it is possible to find cheap flight deals from airlines like Frontier and Spirit.

When booking a flight, keep in mind that several of these airports are more than an hour away from the city. The cost of transportation from these airports to downtown Philadelphia may negate the value of a cheaper flight. For proximity and convenience Philadelphia International Airport is by far the best option.

Philadelphia Airport Transportation Options

There are several simple and inexpensive options to travel from the airport into downtown. Philadelphia's public transport system, SEPTA, runs a dedicated train line to the airport. The airport rail stops at every terminal, then travels twenty minutes to downtown Philadelphia, with stops at the Amtrak Station, the Convention Center and more. Passengers can buy tickets on the train, which cost $8 one way. The train runs until midnight.

An even cheaper option is the public bus. The #37 SEPTA bus stops at every terminal and then runs to the Snyder subway station in South Philadelphia. The price is $2.25.

Alternatively, a taxi from the airport to the city center costs a flat rate of $28.50. This is the best option if you arrive after midnight or are in a hurry.

Dive Deep into Philadelphia's History

Visitors to Philadelphia are spoiled for choice when it comes to the city's many attractions. The main priority is to spend some time exploring the historical landmarks that have played a pivotal role in the history of the United States.

Start with the Independence National Historical Park in the Old City, which is home to Philadelphia's most famous historical sites. This is where you will find Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted and signed. Also in the park: the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall and the National Constitution Center. The Betsy Ross House, where America's first flag was sewn, is not part of the park, but is nearby.

Philadelphia is also a hotspot for art and music history. The Avenue of Arts on Broad Street is home to many of the city's cultural institutions including the Kimmel Center and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Academy of Music is also here, and it's the oldest still-operating Opera House in the country. The museums mostly cluster in the City Center West area, including the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Mütter Museum, and the Rodin Museum.

Use Hipmunk to Find Great Flight Deals to Philadelphia

The mix of interesting sights, convenience, and affordability make Philadelphia an ideal spot for a summer vacation or weekend getaway. Philadelphia is incredibly accessible, with over 50 airlines flying into its major airport. Use Hipmunk's search engine to find cheap round trip flights to Philadelphia, and prepare yourself for a history and culture overload.